Readers, I wanted to share with you my open letter to educators, on this week when all the nation gives its thanks for teachers. You can share your thanks for an MPS teacher by posting a comment online, using the form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/62HLTS8
Dear MPS Educators,
This first full week in May is National Teacher Appreciation Week. That means May 7 – 11 is the week we acknowledge the difference that our teachers make in the lives of Milwaukee children. It is a chance to tell you, on behalf of the MPS Board and the administrative team, how much your work is appreciated.
No one seems to question the value of education. But in the past year, we have heard a lot of public discourse that proves that not everyone values teachers. I wish it were different.
What makes a good teacher? Most will tell you that great teachers expect and demand a lot from their students. They are organized. Great teachers are masters of their subject areas and they strive to engage their students. They take time to write out their goals and make specific plans and timelines for achieving them. Finally, great teachers care about their students enough to find ways to challenge them. Comedian Lily Tomlin said, “I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework.” We like a teacher who does that, too.
I hope that the two words you hear most this week during National Teacher Appreciation Week are the words “thank you”.
